Thanks in large part to Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, the Cowlitz River is consistently ranked as Washington State's number one winter steelhead river.

The hatchery, located about six miles downriver from Mayfield Dam, produces and releases about 1.5 million fish each year. This includes summer and winter steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout.

The popular Blue Creek boat launch is located near the trout hatchery and is provided free of charge by Tacoma Power. No Discover Pass or state Access Pass required. You’ll find a large parking lot, vault toilets and the Blue Creek boat launch.

There is a wheelchair-accessible fishing area where wheelchair-bound and mobility-impaired anglers may fish under Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules. Camping is allowed in part of the parking lot for up to three days, but no fires are allowed.

The hatchery is located about six miles downriver from Mayfield Dam.

Additional Information https://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/cowlitz/Cowlitz%20Trout%20Hatch...

Not far from the facility is Oxbow Lake, a quarter mile north of Spencer Road. great for waterfoul.. This remote habitat is a crown jewel for an astonishing array of wildlife and birds. To the west, look for Ethel Bar, a gravel deposit, providing home to hundreds of songbirds.